Experts have warned the public to practice safety measures when preparing food, to ensure that the dishes served during festivals and public gatherings are safe to eat.
Filipinos are known to have a vibrant culture filled with festivals. Often, these celebrations are accompanied by feasts.
This past weekend, Angono, Rizal celebrated the Higantes Festival, or Feast of San Clemente, patron saint of fishermen. The event is held annually every 23rd of November. The festival highlights the parade of higantes, paper mache giants towering nearly 12-feet high carried by residents around town. The event caters to local and foreign tourists alike.
As part of the celebration, Angono residents dine with their loved ones and even town visitors. Aling Maying, a resident of Angono, said her residence becomes an "open house" every Higantes Festival.
"Bihira ang walang handa rito, kasi yun ang kaugalian dito, yung maghahanda ka kapag pista (People here serve food every festival, because it is part of the town's tradition.)"
Aling Maying said she also owns a catering business, and every Higantes Festival, they prepare food in large amounts, which is why their preparation time sometimes takes 3 days.
Microbiologist Dr. Windell Rivera however warned that it can be hazardous to eat food prepared all at once for a large number of guests.
"[Ito ay dahil] marami ang preparation mo, madali siyang macontaminate ng mikrobyo. May tendency na maging half-cooked yung ibang pagkain. (Because you prepare large amounts of food, there is a higher risk of contamination and a larger tendency that some food might turn out half-cooked)."
Rivera added that bacteria has the ability to double its number at an average of 30 minutes, hence being left for long periods could raise the risk of bacterial transfer.
"It may reach millions, depending on the initial count of the bacteria," Rivera warned.
Some of the bacteria that can contaminate food include Staphylococcus aureus, E.coli, Salmonella
